Top 8 food to eat in Gokarna

So you’re saying you have been to Gokarna, and all you had was the fancy continental cuisine or English breakfast and you don’t know what food to eat in Gokarna? Are you also among those who imagine Gokarna as the pristine beachfront of a supremely aristocratic cafe serving creamy pasta with buns in the fanciest bone china? Well, you’re missing something significant, my friend! This beach town is more than its foreign vibe; the Gokarna food scene is full of local delicacies with vibrant looks and flavours. Come with us and take a deep dive into Karnataka special snacks! This blog will not only answer your question of what Gokarna food to try but also your question of where to eat in Gokarna?

Whether you’re vegetarian or non vegetarian, here are 8 Gokarna food to try:

1. Todadevu:

Suppose you are someone who indulges in sweet food or is craving Karnataka special snacks so that you can experience authentic Kannada culture and thinking of what food to eat in Gokarna? In that case, Todadevu, a local dish you can find in Gokarna, is just for you! This cuisine is like a pancake made from the juice of Konana Katte cane (a particular type of sugarcane native to the region). The juice is extracted and used as a batter, sometimes with flour or jaggery added as well. It is presented warm with milk and desi ghee (clarified butter) and has a sweet and revitalising flavour. You can have it as a dessert after having spiced-up food. It is a famous food in Gokarna which you must try.

• Best paired with: Milk & desi ghee
• Where to eat from: Though the exact spot may be different, you can attempt to find a local restaurant or a south Indian restaurant in Gokarna. However, to truly experience authentic Todadevu, you'll need to visit a local's home where it's made traditionally.

Karnataka special Todadevu | Credits: youtube.com

2. Prawn masala:

Are you a non-vegetarian who loves to eat non-veg but does not like seafood because of fish bones? Then Gokarna's speciality prawn masala is for you. Succulent prawns with fragrant pilaf rice, often seasoned with coconut cream, spices and vegetables. The prawn's bones are removed prior to serving on the rice so the meal is tender without fussing with bones. Prawn masala is one of the best seafood in Gokarna, known for its rich and flavorful taste, and satisfyingly filling portion. It's a popular choice among seafood lovers who appreciate a hearty meal.

• Best paired with: Raita, Papad, Pickle & Salad
• Where to eat from: For having seafood Hotel Gokarna Sea Route Fish Corner, Sea Spirit & Open House Fishland are some of the famous restaurants in Gokarna.

Gokarna’s prawn masala | Credits: crownresto.com

3. Squid sukka:

If you are someone whose palate intrigues the union of spice and coconut, Squid Sukka is the Gokarna food to try, which is a dry, spicy curry! The cuisine is indigenous to Goa and has made its way into Karnataka. It is especially well-known in the coastal settlements of Gokarna. So now you know it also tops the list of best seafood in Gokarna as Prawn masala, and you can find it anywhere as it is one of the most eaten Gokarna street foods.
The dish is made of tender, fleshy squid cooked in rich masala with various spices, such as coconut and tamarind (a careful balance of acid, spice, and mild sweetness). If you are someone who enjoys bold and intense seafood tastes, Squid Sukka will be a perfect dish for you. The dish is a favourite with tourists and locals alike.

• Best paired with Steamed rice, roti or naan, raita & papad.
• Where to eat from: For a truly engaging Squid sukka experience you all try out Open House Fish Land.

A dazzling platter of squid sukka | Credits: masalabox.com

4. Patrode:

Looking for a unique, vegetarian dish in Gokarna? If so, look no further than Patrode, one of the Karnataka special snacks that you are sure to enjoy. It is a common tradition in this region for families to prepare Patrode as a savoury snack. Patrode is made with colocasia leaves (arbi ke patte), jaggery, and besan (gram flour). With one bite, you will experience sweet, savoury, and earthy flavours. A famous food in Gokarna which all tourists enjoy. It also tops the list of Gokarna street food being easily available among the locals.

Think of taking a tender and flaky leaf encapsulating a sweet-savoury flavoured filling, with the sweetness coming from the jaggery with the hearty texture from the besan and the earthiness of the colocasia leaves. If you are a vegetarian or just want to try something new, you will want to include a Patrode as the food to eat in Gokarna.

• Best paired with: Tea or coffee, coconut chutney, raita and masala papad.
• Where to eat from: Shri Siddhivinayaka home food and The Secret Sector are popular choices for Patrode but if you want to experience authentic taste try having from local street food vendors.

 Golden-brown Patrode rolls | Credits: wikipedia.com

5. Seer fish fry:

If you are a person who can’t resist eating fish, Seer fish fry is the food to eat in Gokarna for you. This is a unique dish consisting of soft, succulent fillets of fish, wrapped in a crunchy brown flaky coat and deep-fried. The balance of soft flesh exploding in the mouth with the final crunch creates one of the best eating experiences.

Consuming Seer fish fry can be pleasurable on its own, you can choose to eat it with some lemon rice, coconut chutney, or tomato salad to make it more flavourful. If you are interested in consuming seafood, Seer Fish Fry will leave you wanting more or at a least the same dish on the next trip.

• Best paired with: Lemon rice, coconut chutney, tomato salad, raita, beer or white wine
• Where to eat from: Indulge in a mouthwatering Seer Fish Fry at one of the famous restaurants in Gokarna ‘Green Garden Restaurant’ while enjoying the serene ambiance of the nearby beach.

Crispy Seer Fish Fry, coated in a golden-brown batter | Credits: archanaskitchen.com

6. Crab curry:

Most seafood lovers have a soft corner for crabs compared to fish. Now that I've mentioned fish, how can we miss not talking about crabs? Imagine a vibrant red curry with succulent crab meat, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables. That's Gokarna's Crab Curry, a dish that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more. The tender crab meat is infused with the rich curry flavours, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy notes. The addition of fresh vegetables adds a delightful texture and a burst of colour to the dish. Whether you're a seasoned seafood lover or simply exploring new culinary horizons, Gokarna's Crab Curry is a must-try experience that will transport you to the heart of the coastal cuisine.

• Best paired with: Steamed rice, naan, papad, raita & lemon rice.
• Where to eat from: Karavali Seafood is a budget friendly restaurant in Gokarna which cooks among the best seafood in Gokarna.

A bowl of red crab curry, garnished with fresh cilantro | Credits: Trawell.in

7. Mysore Pak:

Do you want something sweet to savour after all that spicy food? Mysore Pak is made up of besan, ghee, and sugar syrup. It is a South Indian confection that may be worth trying. It has a fascinating origin story. Apparently, in the royal kitchen in Mysore, a chef named Kaksura Madappa pioneered the creation of Mysore Pak in the 1930s after using ghee for cooking in the royal kitchen. The Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar could not stop eating it and loved it so much that he named the beloved sweet after Mysore, the same name as his city and royal palace. Mysore Pak is widely believed to have been enjoyed by the royal family throughout the years. Today, Mysore Pak is characterised by its flavour profile rich in butter, and it has a firm, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.

• Best paired with: Coffee, tea, cold milk, Idli & Sambar, Masala Dosa, Jalebi and Gulab jamun.
• Where to eat from: Craving Mysore Pak but unsure where to find it? Discover the authentic taste of this delectable South Indian sweet at Gokarna’s local grocery stores or sweet shops.

Golden-brown Mysore Pak | Credits: amirthamsweethome.com
 

8. Panagam:

Certainly! After you have filled your tummy with delicious spicy dishes in Gokarna, it is time to chase it down with something to refresh and truly quench your thirst. Panagam or Panaka, a traditional South Indian drink is a refreshing drink made from an exquisite blend of jaggery, lemon juice, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper, providing refreshing and cooling effects on your system. Remember to order a panaka drink during your Gokarna experience!

• Best paired with: Spicy foods, savoury snacks & sweet treats.
• Where to eat from?

If you're craving a refreshing Panaka then you can check in to gokarna’s local restaurants, juice shops, and street vendors.

Panagam | Credits: lekhafood.com 

Conclusion

Now that your question of what food to eat in Gokarna has been answered. Let us answer your question about where to stay? If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay option, you can check out The Hosteller Gokarna, nestled amidst lush paddy fields and tropical forests, just a five-minute walk from Kudle Beach. The Hosteller Gokarna offers unparalleled convenience and serenity. This hostel in Gokarna is your ideal base for exploring the city's stunning beaches, vibrant local culture, and serene natural landscapes.

The Hosteller Gokarna